Reports in Italy are suggesting that Cellino had been in secret negotiations with Leeds United owners Gulf Finance House, which in recent days have accelerated to this point where a €50m purchase of 75 per cent shares in the club has apparently been agreed.

Cellino’s son and current Cagliari Vice-President Ercole, is seen as part of a delegation to have travelled out to Yorkshire to define details of the deal today, and has posted images on Instagram of the English side’s ground.

Speculation is already turning to eventualities of the deal, including Cellino targeting QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar as his first recruitment at Elland Road, as well as where this may leave the Miami-based entrepreneur’s current side Cagliari.

L’Unione Sarda, who this week ran an interview with Cellino that indicated his increasing frustration with the Isolani’s current situation, believe that the club are increasingly likely to be sold, should the Leeds buyout prove successful.